BYD Expands in South Africa as EV Sales Surge Across the Continent
China’s top EV brand is betting on South Africa’s growing appetite for electric cars, with plans to triple its retail footprint by 2026.
Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD is charging ahead with a bold expansion strategy in South Africa. Less than two years after entering the market, BYD expands in South Africa with plans to grow its dealership network from 11 to 35 locations by next year. The move positions the automaker to take advantage of rising interest in clean transport across Africa’s most advanced automotive market.
“We want to educate and cultivate the market of South Africa and make sure that the South African consumers can catch up with the rest of the world,” said Steve Chang, General Manager of BYD Auto South Africa
The company launched locally in June 2023 with the Atto 3 SUV, and recently introduced three additional models to strengthen its offering. Priced at around $37,000, the Atto 3 targets middle- to upper-income South Africans transitioning from fuel-powered vehicles.
As BYD expands in South Africa, it’s responding to a clear signal: interest in electric vehicles is accelerating. Sales of fully electric and hybrid vehicles jumped from just over 400 units in 2019 to more than 7,700 in 2023, according to the Automotive Business Council. While this represents a small fraction of the national car market, the growth trend is unmistakable.
The timing of BYD’s move coincides with a broader recovery in South Africa’s auto sector. In May 2025 alone, new vehicle sales rose 22% year-on-year to 45,308 units, with dealerships responsible for over 80% of those sales. For new entrants like BYD, retail presence is crucial, and dealership expansion is one of the clearest ways to build visibility and trust.
South Africa’s EV infrastructure remains a work in progress, with patchy charging networks and inconsistent power supply still presenting challenges. Yet BYD appears ready to play the long game. Its dealership strategy reflects a commitment not just to selling cars, but to shaping the country’s emerging EV culture.
Auto analysts view South Africa as a strategic entry point into the broader African EV market. Success here could provide BYD with a replicable model for growth in other emerging markets like Nigeria and Kenya, where electric mobility is also starting to gain traction, despite infrastructure and affordability challenges.
Globally, BYD is expanding rapidly, buoyed by strong domestic sales in China and increasing traction in Europe, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. BYD’s expansion in South Africa fits squarely within its wider push to establish itself as a dominant player in the global EV race.
As BYD expands in South Africa, it’s not just selling cars — it’s selling a vision. A cleaner, tech-driven mobility future where Africa isn’t lagging behind, but moving forward with purpose.
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